July 16 -- aka National Ice Cream Day -- is one food holiday that means business.
Soft, decadent, refreshing ice cream is a favorite dessert of many, and for good reason! Did you know that ice cream is the second highest-selling sweet treat in America? (Cookies took the coveted number one spot, according to IceCream.com.)
There are a TON of deals on July 16. Are you ready for the onslaught of free stuff? Of course you are.
Here are the best ones that are popping up across the country on National Ice Cream Day, courtesy of TIME. Take advantage of as many freebies and discounts as you can!
Note: all deals are for July 16 only, unless otherwise specified.
Carvel: Buy any cup or cone and get a second one free!
Dippin' Dots: During a two-hour window, you can score free mini ice cream cups -- you have to check with your local stores to find out what time they are participating, as it varies.
Friendly's: pick up a $2.99 Friend-z ice cream, and not only will they donate $2 to the Boys and Girls Club of America, you'll also get a voucher for free ice cream that you can use on an upcoming visit.
Krystal: pick up a 99 cent sundae from July 16 to July 23.
McDonald's: score a free vanilla soft serve cone in the afternoon when you download the McDonald's app -- more info here.
Monkey Joe's: free ice cream cups at Monkey Joe's indoor play centers!
Subzero: From 2pm to 6pm, snag a free scoop of liquid nitrogen ice cream when you buy another at regular price.
Your Pie: free gelato for all customers!
16 Handles: Download the site's mobile app and get a free four-ounce scoop coupon, valid between 12pm and 5pm.
Are you more in a DIY mood? Here are some awesome ice cream-related recipes to celebrate!
1. Thirty-Minute Philadelphia-Style Ice Cream
Because homemade is always better! Want more ways to make ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt? You can find a bunch more recipes here.
2. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bread
Top secret tip: did you know that you can melt ice cream and bake with it? You can, and you should, because it'll leave you with an easy dessert that's just about as decadent as ice cream. Enjoy!
3. Ice Cream Tacos
Feel free to tweak this layout as desired: fresh fruit, different flavors, and candy pieces would all be excellent here, or you can even go the extra mile and make your own waffle cone shell, if you have a waffle maker.
Happy National Ice Cream Day!